Well, on the reviewing front, Pete Genovese of the Star-Ledger checked out the Wood Pit, a cut-above barbecue joint in Montclair; Kate & Tom O'Neill, Time Off, stopped in at the Yutaka Hibachi Steak House and Sushi Bar in Somerville; and, from The Record, Elisa Ung reviewed Harvest Bistro in Closter and Robert Bieselin took a first look the Green Papaya in River Edge.

In other happenings... if you're contemplating dining out on Christmas Eve, you'd better get a move on, as I'm sure many restaurants are already completely booked. In any event, here are a few more possibilities:

Bernards Inn in Bernardsville will be serving a three-course dinner in the dining room with seatings from 4:30 - 8:00 p.m., $90.00 per person; A buffet will also be served in the ballroom from 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. $75.00 per person. (908) 766-0002

Casa Dante in Jersey City will be hosting a special Christmas Eve fish dinner as well as their à la carte menu. (201) 795-2750.
Restaurant David Drake in Rahway will feature a special three-course menu on Christmas Eve from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., $65.00 per person. (732) 388-6677.
Restaurant Serenade in Chatham will serve Christmas Eve dinner from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., $65.00 per person. (973) 701-0303.

And it's certainly not too late to consider dining out on New Year's Eve:
Andre's Restaurant & Wine Boutique in Newton invites you to start New Year's Eve a day early by dining on Sunday, December 30th. The menu will feature four courses: Warm Oysters; Seafood & Consomme; Choice of Seafood or Lamb; Chocolate Cigars; $50.00 per person (plus tax, beverages & gratuity. The restaurant will also be serving a seven-course dinner on New Year's Eve, $100.00 per person. (973) 300-4192
M/O Cafe & Grill in Voorhees will offer two seatings on New Year's Eve: 5:30 p.m. will feature three courses priced at $55.00 per person; the second seating, at 8:30 p.m. will headline a cocktail hour with butlered hors d'houevres, 5 courses, a live jazz band, and a champagne toast.